East of England more likely to suffer hay fever in silence, says new research

We are a nation of animal lovers in the UK – but it’s the east of the country that has come out on top in a new poll commissioned about the bugs and the bees.

With the arrival of another glorious week of 25+ degrees heat and sunshine, Britain’s 45 million-plus hay fever sufferers are gearing themselves up for yet another week of sneezing, sore eyes and reaching for the tissues.

A poll of 2,000 consumers in the UK, found that those living in the east of the UK are ‘very willing to suffer hay fever’ in silence to safeguard the bugs and bees.

East Anglia topped the league table at 45 per cent, swiftly followed by the East Midlands and south-east, both at 44 per cent.

The research was commissioned by dairy cooperative Arla, in support of the bugs, insects and bees, who are crucial to our food production.

Around a third of the food, we eat relies on all-precious pollinators such as bees.

The dairy cooperative’s 1,200 farmers across the UK are taking part in The Bee Road, a special project to plant pollinator patches to provide special resting stops for fuzzy friendlies who are critical to our food system.

Commenting on the Bee Road, Arla farmer Chris Jerman said: “I jump at every opportunity I get to help everyday wildlife. We know how important pollinators are for nature, – which is we are asking everyone to take the trip on The Arla Bee Road with us.”

So, for those keen to put the bees’ needs first, or those in need of a trick of two, it’s as simple as putting on your sunnies and logging on here for some tips.

Whether you transform recycled yoghurt pots into pollinator pots on your windowsill or get your hands dirty by creating a bug hotel for insects – there’s something for everyone to do their bit for biodiversity.

After the success of Bee Road last year, which saw an incredible 120,000 consumers plant pollen-rich wildflowers and get involved in the biodiversity journey, Arla farmers are now putting the regions to the test, to see who will come out on top.

The Bee Road initiative is aimed at building a nationwide network of specially planted pit stops to help pollinators, such as bees, move around the country pollinating the plants that produce the foods that we love providing plenty of spaces to rest and refuel.